Golfers in Charity Golf Classic 2008
raise $85,000 for local health facilities

The ninth annual Charity Golf Classic had an exceptionally strong year, with golfers raising a record $85,000 for local healthcare facilities. The Health Foundation will use the funds to purchase equipment for 16 facilities in 13 local communities in Sunrise Health Region.

Committee Chair Jerry Jemieff and The Health Foundation’s Treasurer, Kevin Lukey, formally presented a cheque for the Charity Golf Classic proceeds at the awards banquet to Joe Kirwan, CEO and Suann Laurent, Senior Vice President of Health Services for Sunrise Health Region.

“The Charity Golf Classic receives strong support from throughout the region, and we return that support by assisting healthcare facilities in each community of Sunrise Health Region as best we can,” Mr. Lukey said.

The Health Foundation is able to buy this equipment because of the tremendous support provided by individuals throughout the region. This year 1,817 individuals made pledges to golfers, an increase of 332 pledges from last year.

“We also have to thank the business community for the exceptional support they give the Charity Golf Classic: 61 businesses provided cash sponsorships this year and a further 30 provided prizes for the golfers,” continued Mr. Lukey. The presenting sponsors are Mosaic Potash Esterhazy, SaskTel, and the radiologists at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre.

“This golf tournament continues to grow and enjoy a reputation as one of the premier charity golf tournaments in the province,” said Mr. Jemieff, “and the organizing committee has to be recognized for putting on such an outstanding event.”

“In the nine years of the Charity Golf Classic, $475,000 has been raised and invested back into improving our local healthcare,” said Mr. Lukey.

The top fundraiser this year was Chris Wyatt who raised $3,805. Mr. Wyatt won an all expense paid trip for two to New York City. Linda Koroluk of CAA Travel presented Mr. Wyatt, his trip.

The cost of the trip is paid entirely by CAA Travel Saskatchewan, and The Health Foundation is grateful to CAA Travel for their annual support of the Charity Golf Classic.

Suann Laurent raised $3,730, the second highest amount of money, and won a romantic getaway for two at the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa in Moose Jaw.

Jerry Palagian raised $3,320 the third highest amount of money and won a stay and play package for two at Kenosee and White Bear golf Courses.

The remaining top 20 fundraisers win prizes sponsored by Canadian Tire.

The Health Foundation extends thanks and appreciation to all of the golfers and sponsors who make the Charity Golf Classic possible. Sponsorships cover the major costs of the tournament and prizes so that pledges raised by the golfers are used to purchase medical equipment for local healthcare facilities.

The members of the 2008 Charity Golf Classic Organizing Committee are: Chair Jerry Jemieff of Autohire; Sheila Johnson and James Henderson of SaskTel; Don Bruner representing Mosaic Potash Esterhazy, Corvyn Neufeld of Cornerstone Credit Union, Jim Matsalla and Perry Froehlich of Sunrise Health Region, John Neufeld and Ross Fisher.

View the complete results and photos of the event.